Month 1 Queasy? You can feel better
Feeling totally debilitated by morning sickness? There are ways of living with it and treating it.
You may be over the moon about the pea-sized person growing inside of you, until the first bout of nausea hits. Here are the facts, tips and tricks to understand and survive this rather unwelcome pregnancy symptom.
WHEN DOES IT START AND STOP?
Nausea, together with tender breasts, is often the first sign that there is something in utero and generally starts at around week six of pregnancy.
It is hardly a predictable symptom and (unlike the name suggests), can hit at any time of day or night. You might vomit in the morning but feel fine for the rest of the day. Or you might be constantly queasy but never throw up. Then there are a handful of unlucky moms who will throw up for nine months, nonstop. In most cases, the worst nausea will lift after 12 to 14 weeks. If it doesn’t, you will need to visit your doctor.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
Dr Peter Koll, a gynaecologist and obstetrician at the Sandton Mediclinic, explains: “Morning sickness undoubtedly has to do with the heightened hormone levels and sometimes even the emotional effect of pregnancy.” Increased level of the pregnancy hormone hCG and high oestrogen levels are said to be the main culprits in bringing on the queasiness. Gastro-oesophageal reflux and the relaxation of muscle tissue in the digestive tract make digestion less efficient and could also be to blame. Of course your heightened sense of smell does not make matters any easier.
WHO GETS IT AND WHO DOESN’T?
Nausea, together with tender breasts, is often the first sign that there is something in utero and generally starts at around week six of pregnancy.
Studies show that three-quarters of pregnant women will experience some form of morning sickness, but there are as many exceptions as there are rules. For instance, there is no guarantee that if your mother experienced no nausea during pregnancy, you will also be so lucky. “The gender of your baby also does not play a role. However, morning sickness is usually more severe in multiple pregnancies,” Dr Koll says. “Any abnormal placental growth is also a factor.” Nausea is often more severe in first-time pregnancies – possibly due to various physical and emotional reasons.
TREATING MORNING SICKNESS
Changing what, when and how much you eat should be your first line of defence. Dr Koll recommends some fluid with glucose first thing in the morning. “Ginger snap biscuits with water or tea usually work well.” It is recommended that you have something small before you even get out of bed in order to keep your blood sugar levels constant. Also, having a small complex carbohydrate or protein snack before bed will hopefully ensure that your tummy is settled when you get up. Try to limit your meals and drinks to small quantities at a time – overeating or too much fluid could make things worse. Oddly, eating could help keep your nausea under control if it is due to gastritis, explains Dr Koll. You might find that icy cold or hot foods offer relief.
■ Avoid those smells and foods that aggravate your nausea. “The principle is: eat what you feel like eating,” says Dr Koll. “I’d rather have jelly tots in the tummy than broccoli in the toilet bowl.”
■ Temporarily adapt your vitamin intake. Vitamin B6 or B12 may reduce nausea and/or vomiting during pregnancy. “Common aggravating factors include iron-containing tablets. These can make you feel much worse. I recommend stopping these tablets and even just taking your folic acid on the days that you’re very nauseous,” says Dr Koll. Discuss this with your doctor first.
■ Eating ginger – in biscuits, tea, lollies or fresh slices in water.
■ “Don’t disregard alternative therapies,” Dr Koll says. You may find relief from psychotherapy, acupressure, acupuncture or reflexology.
WHEN SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED?
Hyperemesis gravidarum (or HG, meaning over vomiting in pregnancy) is an ongoing and debilitating condition, which luckily only affects one in 200 pregnant women. The line between severe morning sickness and HG is when you cannot keep any food or even liquid down, Dr Koll explains. Once you have vomited in the morning and can then keep your food and fluids down, there is no need for concern. But, if you have signs of dehydration (infrequent urination or dark yellow urine), you should seek help. In severe cases, you will be admitted to hospital. “The upside is that you’ll react very quickly to a drip and antinausea medication,” Dr Koll says.